Animals could get extended shelter stays

A McDonough County Board committee is discussing whether to formally extend the minimum period of time that dogs and cats could stay in the animal shelter.

State law requires an animal to be kept for a minimum of seven days, and a current county ordinance allows a 21-day minimum.

The board's human resources and planning committee has been asked to consider a 90-day minimum. George Dixon, committee chairman, said he feels a 90 day stay would depend upon the behavior of the animal.

"Some might be turned over for rescue after 60 days," he said.

County Board Chairman Scott Schwerer said he does not want to see an aggressive animal retained beyond the seven day state limit.

"We spend a lot more time talking about dogs and cats than we do children in this county," he said. "I do not want to see a vicious animal adopted out."

Committee member Trevor Toland suggested that a checklist be filled out for every animal brought into the shelter.

It would be an overall assessment, including issues of behavior.

"Once I'm not able to adopt an animal out, I ask the humane society about the possibility of rescue," said Animal Control Officer Vicky VanTrump.

Animals that cannot be placed are subject to euthanasia.

"It's a really sensitive issue to put an animal to sleep," said Dr. Karen Blakeley, the county veterinarian.

Committee members Dave Nissen and Lee Trotter said they agree with Schwerer that the county should not tolerate the presence of a vicious animal.

"The county's main responsibility is public safety," Trotter said.

Dixon said he wants the committee to make a recommendation in April regarding the retention of animals.

"We need to have some closure," he said.

VanTrump reported that the animal shelter continues to experience a good level of adoptions. She said only 14 dogs and 14 cats remained in the shelter at the end of February.

The animal control officer said she continues to compile information for the committee for adoption of a policy governing the use of tranquilizer guns to subdue certain animals being brought in. The committee was told that the animal shelter passed its annual inspection.

The county is looking at an April 1 target date for releasing its new state-mandated policy of making funds available to help low-income county residents with the costs of preparing a pet for ownership. The information would be made available through local veterinarians.

Dawn Gray, president of the Humane Society of McDonough County, told the committee that her group would like to establish a pet food pantry to assist individuals or families that have difficulty paying for food for their animals. She said the society continues to contribute toward the cost of spaying animals.

"We want to partner with the county more than we ever have in the past," Gray said.

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